WordPress is behaving itself so far today so I am able to type directly.
I passed a reasonable night; it was only when I awoke that I started to feel a little weather-related stress. The forecasters didn’t really have a clue what was going to happen over the next 24 hours and got it all wrong anyway. The snow came much further south than predicted.
Neal and Anne, who also live in Oxfordshire, but an hour by car due north of Moulsford, had a garden full of snow. As did P and F in Leeds. We, however, merely had heavy rain overnight which turned to white blobs this morning. And it took Brenda 3.5 hours to get to Newbury from Peterborough. With all this in mind, I got a move on and set off about an hour earlier than I had planned.
I took H for a quick stretch on Streatley Rec and called in at the Illis to wish Dave a happy 49th birthday. I hope they enjoyed their post-hockey meal at Marlow’s Giggling Squid.
Neal and Anne’s garden.
The journey along the M4 was pretty horrendous with white out blizzards in places and very poor visibility . The worst being around Bath where snow was actually settling.
An idiot in a silver grey car, nicely camouflaged by the weather, had no lights on, or so I thought. But having passed it, I could see the front lights were working, so the driver probably did not know his rear ones made him an accident waiting to happen.
I was directed over the old Severn bridge on to the M48 towards Chepstow. There was no snow here, no precipitation for about 5 miles. Then it appeared all over again. Tree branches were strikingly encrusted with snow and drooped under its weight. Remaining copper leaves added a touch of colour to the monotone landscapes. .
And H and I took a short wander in a car park near the hotel we stayed at in 2020. It’s prohibitively expensive now, and had all sorts of airs and graces then. Our room was disappointing and too small for two people. But they would not let dogs in their posher rooms.
However a couple of miles outside Usk, lies the Greyhound Inn. And my room is toasty and warm with a new bathroom suite and all sorts of doggy delights for H. Even a beautiful white towel for her which I’m not sure I can use on her. I’ve got a lovely ancient discoloured one with me.
And a smart bathroom with a non-slip shower tray – someone here has common sense.
The hotel has a doggy paddock amongst its spacious grounds. But it’s quite slippy out there, so I did not linger.
As for my route tomorrow- it will need rethinking . The mountain road will be too hazardous, even if it’s passable, and roads nearby are not, so I shall have to stick to the lorry roads from Llanidloes. I know it will be much warmer for the return journey so I shall go via Dylife then.
My walking boots definitely need replacing. And I’m not sure Machynlleth and other places have the stock. A detour via Brecon tomorrow might be sensible. Should have done it at home.
So H and I are snuggled up warm, avoiding outdoors because the cold is very very raw. That is a shame because it’s not what I had in mind. But this was only ever intended to be an overnight stop.
The inn is very very old and has just been decorated for Christmas. The restaurant produces excellent food and the staff are great. The bed is comfy and the shower room is beyond sensible. Walk in large shower with a non-slip floor. They even provide a loo!!
The only draw back seems to be a fast busy road which brings traffic noise but you can’t hear it inside the room thanks to efficient sound proofing . ie double glass doors to access the garden. Their Christmas theme is alpine, with a menu to match and a barboy in lederhosen without the leder bit. Long shorts with straps at the least. I expect he had cold knees. Outside it is really really raw.
Sleep has fled for the time being though I was asleep early. Didn’t even survive Bake Off. the wrong person was sent home.
Thought for the Day.
And a striking drone photo below
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